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The Waterways Renaissance Awards
Projects from across the UK are celebrating after scooping top honours at this year’s Waterways Renaissance Awards, run by The Waterways Trust and BURA (British Urban Regeneration Association).
A surprise announcement of an Award for Outstanding Achievement was made at the ceremony which was given to Stourport Forward and British Waterways for the transformation of canal-town, Stourport-on-Severn in Worcestershire.
Now in their sixth year, the Waterways Renaissance Awards aim to recognise best practice in sustainable waterway regeneration and development throughout the UK. The winners of the ten categories were announced at a prestigious awards ceremony and dinner, which took place at the Imperial War Museum North in Manchester on the 12th March 2008.
Roger Hanbury, Chief Executive of The Waterways Trust, said: “The modern renaissance of our waterways continues to transform our environment, creating education and business opportunities, injecting new life into formerly neglected areas and bringing communities together. All projects making the final list are excellent examples of what can be achieved with vision, commitment and partnership working.”
The nominations were judged by an independent assessment panel, comprising waterway, conservation and regeneration experts and chaired by Sir Neil Cossons.
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:
Once one of the busiest inland ports in the UK, Stourport experienced a period of decline and since the early 20th century had clearly changed from a canal town to a manufacturing town. However, recent years have seen Stourport undergo a major transformation aimed at bringing its unique historic setting back into full vibrant use, attracting more visitors and re-engaging the people of the town with the historic basins.
Stourport Forward was formed initially to deliver and manage a four year regeneration programme, the Stourport Forward Market Towns Initiative, funded by Advantage West Midlands. By taking on the role of Accountable Body, British Waterways enabled this £4 million regeneration scheme to go ahead.
An extensive programme of physical regeneration is complemented by a programme of interpretation and events, landscaping improvements, volunteer opportunities and several arts commissions along with a grant scheme for smaller projects and a community chest scheme. One judge commented “it feels like one cannot walk 100 metres in Stourport without seeing projects that have been touched by the initiative.”
HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT - sponsored by Royal Haskoning
Winner: Restoration of Buildings and Canal Structures, Stourport Basins, Worcestershire
Stourport’s 18th and 19th Century buildings, locks and basins of are undergoing major restoration with the aim of re-engaging the town with the canal, improving the group value of the structures and enhancing the area for visitors.
Restoration work has focused on practical improvements that also add to the heritage value of the structures, and this work has been based on evidence and recollections provided by the local community on the area’s previous use.
The complete project has received funding from a number of sources, including The Heritage Lottery Fund; British Waterways; and Advantage West Midlands, via Stourport Forward. Stourport has already seen an increase in visitors to the basins, and the project has had a significant role in prompting further regeneration projects that will continue to improve the area.
PARTNERSHIP – sponsored by Morrison Construction
Runner Up: Stourport Forward Market Towns Initiative and British Waterways Partnership, Worcestershire
Stourport Forward Market Towns Initiative and British Waterways Partnership, Worcestershire. This Market Towns Initiative, funded by Advantage West Midlands, is a three year programme for the regeneration of Stourport town centre. British Waterways took on the role of accountable body and £4m of regeneration projects have been delivered. To date 22 historic buildings and structures have been restored along with some major infrastructure improvements.